2.3. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
The brown rice was broken manually. After coating with Pt ions
in an argon atmosphere for 30 min (IB-5 ion coater, Eiko Co.), the
cross-sections were stuck on double-adhesive tape fixed to a metallic stud. The starch granules were visualised with an electron
microscope (TM-1000, Tabletop Microscope, Hitachi, Ltd., Japan) at
15 kV.